How to Find the Right Stable for Your Horse
Deciding where to board your horse is a big decision. A horse can feel like a part of your family so you want to make sure that your horse is comfortable and well cared for in a stable. Before you chose a stable, decide what you need. What does your horse require in terms of stabling and pastures? What kind of boarding experience would you prefer: access to trails, rings for flat work, equipment for jumping or gaming? Here are some things that you should keep in mind when shopping around for a boarding stable for your horse.
Quality of Care
Making sure that your horse is getting the best care possible is a number one priority for any horse owner. When you’re looking at stables, observe how the other horses look, if there is enough space for all of the horses, if the feed and hay is top quality and there is clean water and salt readily available, and if there is a routine schedule of feeding and turnout.
Safety and Hygiene
The stable should be free of any safety hazards so that your horse does not accidentally hurt themselves on anything in the barn. There should be emergency equipment on hand, a phone, and everything should be in good condition. The barn should not smell like ammonia or manure but should smell relatively fresh. The barn should be clean and neat with fresh water on hand, and it should be bright and airy.
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Cost
The price of boarding will depend on where the stable is and the services that it provides. You should decide what you can afford when it comes to your horse.
Disciplines and Training Methods
There are a variety of stables available and you should try to find one that fits your style of riding. Whether you are a western rider or a barrel racer, you sure try to find a stable that you will feel comfortable in and that caters to your particular interests. This also applies to training methods, as some stables may not match up with what you are used to and comfortable working with.
Services
Some stables will provide additional services like riding lessons, blanketing, and routine care like blacksmiths, immunizations, and deworming programs. If a stable does provide these services, it is likely that they will be an additional cost on top of the monthly boarding fee.
Size and Hours
If you prefer quiet, alone time with your horse, you should prioritize finding a smaller stable. On the other hand, big stables can be nice for people who want to socialize and ride with others. Before you select a stable, check that the hours work for you and your schedule. You don’t want to end up with a stable that is closed on the only days and times you have free.
Once you’ve found the stable that fits all of your needs, read the boarding contract before you sign so that you understand it and can live with its conditions.